The Definitive Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Campus Accountability for Smiley County & Gonzales County Families

A Message to Parents in Smiley, Nixon, Belmont & Across Gonzales County

Imagine your child from Smiley—who worked hard through Smiley High School or Nixon-Smiley Consolidated ISD—now attends Texas State University, Texas A&M, or the University of Houston. They want to belong, to make friends, to build their future. Then comes a late-night call, a hospital visit, or a sudden withdrawal. Your once-confident student now seems broken, secretive, afraid. They’ve been stripped to their underwear in freezing weather, forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol or food, or subjected to psychological torment disguised as “tradition.”

This isn’t hypothetical. Right now in Harris County, we’re fighting one of Texas’s most catastrophic hazing cases: the $10 million lawsuit filed on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. According to the Click2Houston investigation, Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being forced through extreme workouts, hose-spraying “similar to waterboarding,” and humiliating “pledge fanny pack” rituals. His urine turned brown. He was hospitalized for four days. The chapter was shut down after members voted to surrender their charter.

For Smiley County families—whether your children attend nearby schools like Texas State (just 50 miles away in San Marcos) or major hubs like UT Austin, Texas A&M, or UH—this case proves that catastrophic hazing happens here in Texas, to students from communities just like ours.

This guide exists to give Smiley, Nixon, and Belmont families the comprehensive knowledge you need: what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects (or fails) victims, what’s happening at Texas universities where Gonzales County students enroll, and what legal options exist when institutions fail your child.

1. Immediate Help: What to Do in the First 48 Hours

If Your Child is in Danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

First 48-Hour Checklist for Smiley County Families:

Medical Priority: Get to the nearest emergency room—whether that’s Gonzales Healthcare Systems, Cuero Regional Hospital, or facilities near campus. Even if your child insists they’re “fine,” rhabdomyolysis (like in the UH case), internal injuries, or alcohol poisoning can be fatal if untreated.
Evidence Preservation: Screenshot ALL group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage), social media posts, and texts BEFORE they’re deleted. As detailed in our evidence preservation video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs), digital evidence disappears within hours.
Document Everything: Write down names, dates, locations, and specific acts while memory is fresh. Photograph injuries from multiple angles.
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority directly (they’ll destroy evidence)
- Let your child delete messages “to avoid trouble”
- Post details on public social media
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company

Why Immediate Action Matters for Rural Texas Families:

When you’re in Smiley County dealing with a crisis in College Station or San Marcos, evidence disappears quickly. Group chats get deleted. Witnesses get coached. Universities begin damage control. We’ve seen cases where critical evidence vanished within 72 hours. That’s why immediate legal consultation is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 within the first 24-48 hours.

2. Hazing in 2025: What Gonzales County Parents Need to Recognize

Beyond Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Tactics

Hazing has evolved far beyond “pranks” or “initiation.” Today’s hazing targets students from communities like Smiley through sophisticated psychological and digital coercion:

Digital Hazing & 24/7 Control

Group Chat Tyranny: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages at all hours, often with degrading demands
Location Tracking: Forced to share real-time location via Find My Friends or Life360
Social Media Humiliation: Compelled to post embarrassing content on TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat

Psychological Hazing (Hardest to Detect)

Isolation: Cutting off contact with family, non-Greek friends, or hometown connections
Sleep Deprivation: “Mandatory” 3 AM meetings, all-night “study sessions”
Coerced “Consent”: “You don’t HAVE to do this, but everyone who’s really committed does…”

Physical & Substance Hazing

Extreme Exercise: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups/squats (like the UH case that caused rhabdomyolysis)
Forced Consumption: Alcohol, food (milk, hot dogs), or unknown substances until vomiting
Environmental Abuse: Exposure to extreme cold/heat, lying in vomit or waste

Sexualized & Humiliating Hazing

Simulated Sexual Acts: “Elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions
Degrading Costumes/Demands: Wearing humiliating items in public
Documented Abuse: Filmed during degrading acts, with video shared in group chats

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

For Smiley County students, risk extends beyond fraternities:

Fraternities & Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups)
Corps of Cadets (Texas A&M’s unique military-style program)
Spirit & Tradition Groups (Texas Cowboys, Hellraisers, etc.)
Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
Marching Bands & Performance Groups
Academic & Service Organizations

The Critical Misconception: “My Child Agreed to This”

Parents often tell us, “But they chose to join.” Texas law recognizes what psychology confirms: There is no meaningful consent under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. When an 18-year-old from Smiley faces social annihilation if they refuse, that’s coercion, not choice.

3. Texas Law & Liability Framework: What Smiley County Families Can Pursue

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Criminal Hazing Law

For cases involving Gonzales County students, Texas law provides:

§ 37.151 Definition

Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that:

Endangers mental or physical health/safety of a student
Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership
Can occur on or off campus (location doesn’t matter)

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability

Fraternities, sororities, or organizations can be:

Fined up to $10,000 per violation
Subject to university recognition revocation

§ 37.155 Consent NOT a Defense

The law explicitly states: Victim consent does NOT excuse hazing.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases (The State’s Role)

Prosecutor decides whether to file charges
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter
Limitation: Criminal cases don’t compensate victims for medical bills, therapy, or future care

Civil Lawsuits (Your Family’s Path)

You decide whether to file (with attorney guidance)
Goal: Compensation + Accountability + Prevention
Claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Compensation covers: Medical bills, future care, therapy, lost earnings, pain/suffering

Critical Insight: These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction helps but isn’t required for civil success. Many hazing cases settle confidentially before criminal trials conclude.

Federal Law Overlay Affecting Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

Requires universities receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents
Mandates hazing prevention education
Implementation timeline: Phased in through 2026

Title IX & Clery Act

When hazing involves sexual harassment/assault, Title IX obligations trigger
Clery Act requires reporting of certain crimes—hazing often overlaps
Creates additional liability for universities that fail to respond appropriately

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Case?

1. Individual Students

Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
Often includes pledge educators, chapter presidents, risk managers

2. Local Chapter/Organization

The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity
Housing corporations that own chapter houses

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

Our investigation consistently shows: Nationals know about patterns
They collect dues, set policies, provide (often inadequate) training
Prior incidents at other chapters create “foreseeability”

4. University/Board of Regents

May be liable for negligent supervision
Public vs. Private: UT, Texas A&M, UH have some sovereign immunity; SMU, Baylor have less
Key question: What did they know, and when?

5. Third Parties

Landlords of off-campus houses
Bars/event venues that served alcohol
Security companies that failed to intervene

4. The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Know About Greek Organizations Affecting Gonzales County Students

Public Records Directory: Greek Organizations Serving Texas Families

As part of our investigative strategy, we maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations operating in Texas, compiled from IRS records, university data, and public filings. This directory helps Smiley County families understand the complex web of entities that may share liability when hazing occurs.

Why This Directory Matters:

When your child from Smiley is hazed at Texas State or Texas A&M, multiple organizations behind the scenes may hold insurance coverage and legal responsibility:

Local chapter housing corporations (own the house)
Alumni associations (provide funding and oversight)
National headquarters (set policies and collect dues)
Educational foundations (manage scholarships and funds)

Sample Texas Greek Entities from Public Records:

Based on IRS B83 filings and Cause IQ data, here are examples of registered Greek organizations affecting Texas students:

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – EIN 900293166 – College Station, TX 77843 – Texas A&M University Chapter (IRS B83 filing)

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – EIN 133048786 – College Station, TX 77845 – Campus chapter entity (IRS B83 filing)

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN 746064445 – Nederland, TX 77627 – Epsilon Kappa Chapter housing/alumni corp (IRS B83 filing)

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035 – House corporation (IRS B83 filing)

Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147 – Foundation supporting chapters (IRS B83 filing)

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – EIN 364091267 – Waco, TX 76710 – Xi Chi Chapter (IRS B83 filing)

Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN 475370943 – Houston, TX 77204 – Theta Delta Chapter (IRS B803 filing)

Phi Delta Theta Fraternity – EIN 900927378 – San Antonio, TX 78249 – Texas Xi Chapter (IRS B83 filing)

Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter – Austin, TX – University of Texas chapter house (Cause IQ metro listing)

Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp. – Austin, TX – University of Texas house corporation (Cause IQ metro listing)

Metro Distribution of Greek Organizations Affecting Texas Students

According to Cause IQ data analysis:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510+ Greek organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188+ organizations
Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154+ organizations
San Antonio Metro: 86+ organizations
College Station-Bryan Metro: 42+ organizations (where many Gonzales County students attend)
Waco Metro: 27+ organizations (Baylor University)
Statewide Total: 1,423+ Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros

What This Means for Your Case

When we take a hazing case involving a Smiley County student, we don’t start from zero. We already know:

The legal names and EINs of organizations that may share liability
How national brands operate across multiple Texas metros
Where to find insurance coverage and responsible parties
How to trace organizational relationships from local chapter to national HQ

This investigative depth matters because fraternities and universities count on families being overwhelmed. They assume you won’t know about the Beta Nu housing corporation in Frisco or the Texas Kappa Sigma foundation in Fort Worth. We do.

5. National Case Patterns: What History Tells Us About Texas Risks

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)

What happened: Bid acceptance night with forced drinking, severe falls caught on chapter cameras
Legal outcome: Dozens of criminal charges; civil litigation; Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law”
Texas relevance: Same national organization (Beta Theta Pi) has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

What happened: “Bible study” drinking game, wrong answers = forced drinking, BAC 0.495%
Legal outcome: Felony convictions; Louisiana’s “Max Gruver Act”; civil settlement
Texas relevance: Phi Delta Theta has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas State

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

What happened: Pledge forced to drink nearly full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
Legal outcome: $10 million settlement ($7M from national Pike, $3M from BGSU); criminal convictions
Texas relevance: Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas State, UH

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

What happened: “Big Brother Night” with handles of hard liquor
Legal outcome: Criminal hazing charges; FSU Greek life suspension; civil settlement
Texas relevance: Same national organization involved in current UH case we’re litigating

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)

What happened: “Glass ceiling” ritual: blindfolded, weighted down, repeatedly tackled
Legal outcome: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault/involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Texas relevance: Shows national organizations CAN be held criminally liable

Danny Santulli – Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)

What happened: “Pledge dad reveal” night with extreme drinking
Legal outcome: Severe permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see); settlements with 22 defendants
Texas relevance: Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU

Athletic & Organizational Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

What happened: Systemic sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Legal outcome: Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired; confidential settlements
Texas relevance: Big-money athletic programs everywhere face similar risks

What These Patterns Mean for Smiley County Families

History Repeats: The same national organizations keep making the same deadly mistakes
Nationals Know: Headquarters have extensive records of prior incidents
Universities Often Fail: Despite “zero tolerance” policies, oversight remains inadequate
Justice is Possible: Multi-million dollar settlements and precedent-setting laws emerge from these tragedies

6. Texas University Focus: Where Gonzales County Students Face Risk

Understanding Your Child’s Campus Reality

Gonzales County families typically send students to:

Primary Destinations:

Texas State University (San Marcos, 50 miles from Smiley) – Large Greek system, multiple documented hazing cases
Texas A&M University (College Station, 110 miles) – Massive Greek life + Corps of Cadets with hazing history
University of Texas at Austin (Austin, 80 miles) – Largest Greek system in Texas, extensive violation history
University of Houston (Houston, 125 miles) – Active Greek life, current $10M case we’re litigating
Baylor University (Waco, 160 miles) – Significant Greek presence, past athletic hazing incidents

Secondary/Regional Options:

University of Texas at San Antonio
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Texas Tech University
Stephen F. Austin State University

Texas State University (San Marcos) – Closest Major Campus to Smiley

Campus Reality for Gonzales County Students

Enrollment: ~38,000 students
Greek Life: 30+ fraternities, 20+ sororities
Smiley County Connection: Proximity makes it a top choice for local students
Documented History: Multiple hazing violations on public record

Recent Incidents & Response

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter probation
Other violations: Multiple organizations sanctioned for alcohol-related hazing, forced workouts, psychological abuse
Transparency: Maintains public hazing violations page (less detailed than UT’s but improving)

Jurisdiction & Logistics for Smiley Families

Local Police: San Marcos Police Department + Texas State University Police
Courts: Hays County courts (where civil suits would typically be filed)
Medical: Central Texas Medical Center (San Marcos) or Ascension Seton (Austin)

What Texas State Parents Should Do

Check the public violations database before your child joins any organization
Know the reporting channels: Dean of Students Office, University Police
Document everything – Texas State has improved transparency but still underreports
Understand the geography – Many hazing incidents occur in off-campus apartments around San Marcos, not university property

Texas A&M University – Corps of Cadets & Greek Life

Unique Risks for Gonzales County Students

Corps of Cadets Culture: Military-style environment with documented hazing history
Greek Life Scale: 60+ fraternities, 30+ sororities
Tradition Pressure: “That’s how we’ve always done it” mentality

Documented Cases

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts; $1M lawsuit; chapter suspended
Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): Cadet alleged being bound between beds in degrading position with apple in mouth; sought $1M+; handled internally by A&M
Kappa Sigma Rhabdomyolysis Case (2023): Allegations of extreme physical hazing causing muscle breakdown; ongoing litigation

Jurisdiction for College Station Cases

Local Police: College Station Police + Texas A&M University Police
Courts: Brazos County courts
Medical: Baylor Scott & White (College Station) or St. Joseph (Bryan)

Special Considerations for Corps Families

Dual Disciplinary Systems: Corps has its own command structure alongside university conduct process
Military Culture: Can discourage reporting due to “toughness” expectations
Higher Stakes: Corps membership often tied to ROTC scholarships and career paths

University of Texas at Austin – Texas’s Largest Greek System

Scale & Scope

Greek Life: ~60 fraternities/sororities with 5,000+ members
Transparency Leader: Maintains detailed public hazing violations database
Documented Pattern: Multiple organizations with repeated violations

Public Violations Database Insights

UT’s hazing.utexas.edu reveals patterns:

Recent Sanctions Include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): Forced milk consumption + extreme calisthenics = probation + education requirements
Texas Wranglers (spirit group): Multiple hazing violations over years
Various fraternities: Alcohol hazing, psychological abuse, forced physical activity

Why UT’s Transparency Matters

Pattern Evidence: Repeated violations by same organizations strengthen civil cases
University Knowledge: Public records prove UT knew about risks
Deterrence Value: Some organizations actually change behavior when exposed

Austin Jurisdiction

Police: UT Police + Austin Police Department
Courts: Travis County courts (often favorable to plaintiffs in injury cases)
Medical: Dell Seton Medical Center (Level I trauma center)

University of Houston – Current Ground Zero for Texas Hazing Litigation

The Leonel Bermudez Case We’re Litigating

As detailed in the ABC13 investigation:

Timeline of Abuse:

Sept 16, 2025: Bermudez accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu
Sept-Oct: Forced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring, humiliating “pledge fanny pack” requirements
Oct 13: Another pledge hog-tied face-down with object in mouth for over an hour
Nov 3: Bermudez forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
Nov 6-9: Hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine

Medical Catastrophe:

Critically high creatine kinase levels (muscle breakdown)
Acute kidney failure requiring dialysis risk
Ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Institutional Response:

Nov 6: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends chapter
Nov 14: Chapter votes to surrender charter, shuts down
UH Statement: Conduct “deeply disturbing,” cooperation with law enforcement promised

Our Role: We represent Bermudez in this $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, and 13 individual members.

What This Case Means for All Texas Families

It’s Happening Here: Catastrophic hazing isn’t just at “party schools”
Multiple Liable Parties: Nationals, housing corps, universities, individuals ALL share responsibility
Medical Reality: Rhabdomyolysis (musle breakdown) is becoming increasingly common in hazing
Digital Evidence: Group chats, social media, timestamps created clear evidence trail

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University

SMU: Affluent Private Campus Challenges

Greek Dominance: Higher participation rates than public universities
Private Status: Less transparency than public schools
Documented Incidents: Kappa Alpha Order suspension (2017) for paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation

Baylor: Religious Identity & Historical Challenges

Greek + Athletic Risks: Baseball team hazing suspension (2020)
Title IX History: University under scrutiny for institutional response failures
Balancing Act: Religious mission sometimes conflicts with transparent accountability

7. Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Predict Risk

Why National Histories Matter for Liability

When we investigate hazing cases involving Smiley County students, we look beyond the local chapter to national patterns. Courts recognize that if a national organization has seen the same deadly conduct at other campuses, they had “foreseeability” and duty to prevent recurrence.

High-Risk National Organizations (Based on Documented Histories)

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State, alcohol poisoning death (2021) – $10M settlement
David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois, alcohol death (2012) – $14M settlement
Texas Pattern: Chapters at UT, Texas A&M, Texas State with repeated violations

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

Multiple Deaths: Historically highest fatality count among nationals
Texas Incidents:
- Texas A&M chemical burns case (2021) – $1M lawsuit
- UT Austin assault case (2024) – $1M+ lawsuit alleging broken bones
National Response: Eliminated traditional pledge process (2014) but problems persist

Pi Kappa Phi

Andrew Coffey: Florida State, alcohol death (2017)
Current Texas Case: Our UH litigation shows identical patterns despite “reforms”

Phi Delta Theta

Max Gruver: LSU, “Bible study” drinking death (2017) – Louisiana felony law reform
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT, Texas A&M, Texas State

Kappa Sigma

Chad Meredith: University of Miami, drowning after drinking (2001) – $12.6M verdict
Texas Pattern: Multiple campuses, rhabdomyolysis allegations at Texas A&M (2023)

How We Use National Histories in Litigation

Proving Foreseeability: Showing nationals knew identical conduct caused deaths/injuries elsewhere
Negligent Supervision Claims: Demonstrating inadequate training/enforcement despite known risks
Punitive Damages Arguments: Establishing willful disregard for student safety
Insurance Coverage Fights: Showing patterns that insurers “should have known” about

The Insurance Reality: Why Nationals Fight So Hard

Fraternity and university insurers use consistent tactics:

Delay & Wear Down: Hope families run out of money/energy
Lowball Early Offers: Try to settle before full damages known
Coverage Disputes: Argue hazing is “intentional” and excluded
Blame Shifting: Point fingers at individuals, other parties

Our advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows their playbook because he used to run it. We don’t get surprised by their tactics—we anticipate them.

8. Building Your Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy

Evidence Collection: The Digital Battlefield

Hazing cases in 2025 are won or lost on digital evidence. Unlike years past, today’s hazing leaves extensive electronic trails:

Critical Evidence Categories:

1. Group Communications (Most Important)

GroupMe/WhatsApp: Primary planning and coordination channels
iMessage/SMS: Direct threats or instructions
Discord/Slack: Organizational coordination
Fraternity-specific apps: Member communication platforms

Preservation Protocol: Screenshot ENTIRE conversations with timestamps visible. Do NOT let your child delete anything, no matter how embarrassing. As we explain in our evidence video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs), deleted messages can often be recovered, but screenshots are immediate proof.

2. Social Media Evidence

Instagram/Snapchat Stories: Often show hazing in “real time”
TikTok Challenges: Humiliating dares recorded and shared
Facebook Events/Photos: Planning and documentation
Location Tags/Check-ins: Prove who was where and when

3. Medical Documentation
Critical: Tell medical providers “I was hazed” so it enters the record

ER reports, ambulance records
Lab results (blood alcohol, creatine kinase for rhabdomyolysis)
Imaging (X-rays, CT scans for injuries)
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, anxiety, depression diagnoses)

4. University & Organizational Records

Prior conduct violations (obtained via discovery)
Internal emails about the organization
Membership rosters, meeting minutes
National fraternity risk management files

5. Witness Information

Other pledges (often afraid but may cooperate later)
Roommates/hall mates who observed changes
Former members who quit due to hazing
Emergency responders who treated your child

Damages: What Can Be Recovered

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical Expenses: Past and future care
Lost Income/Earning Capacity: Missed semesters, delayed career entry
Educational Costs: Lost scholarships, transfer expenses
Therapy & Rehabilitation: Long-term psychological and physical care

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

Pain & Suffering: Physical pain from injuries
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of Enjoyment: Can’t participate in college life, activities
Reputational Harm: Social stigma, digital footprint damage

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral/Burial Costs
Loss of Companionship & Support
Parents’ & Siblings’ Emotional Trauma
Lost Financial Contribution over victim’s expected lifetime

Punitive Damages (When Applicable)

Purpose: Punish egregious conduct, deter future hazing
When Awarded: Particularly reckless or intentional conduct, prior warnings ignored
Texas Caps: Generally limited, but exceptions for gross negligence

Case Strategy: How We Approach Hazing Litigation

Phase 1: Emergency Response (0-7 Days)

Evidence preservation before deletion
Medical evaluation and documentation
Initial witness interviews
Preservation letters to organizations/universities

Phase 2: Investigation (1-6 Months)

Digital forensics (recovering deleted messages)
Organizational research (national histories, prior incidents)
Expert consultations (medical, psychological, economic)
Discovery planning (what records to demand)

Phase 3: Litigation Strategy (3-24+ Months)

Defendant identification (individuals + organizations)
Insurance coverage analysis
Settlement vs. trial assessment
Media strategy (if public accountability is goal)

Phase 4: Resolution

Settlement negotiation (most common outcome)
Trial preparation (if settlement inadequate)
Post-resolution advocacy (policy changes, prevention work)

Common Defense Tactics & How We Counter

Defense 1: “They Consented”

Our Response: Texas law § 37.155 says consent is irrelevant. Psychological evidence shows no meaningful consent under coercion.

Defense 2: “Rogue Individuals, Not the Organization”

Our Response: Discovery reveals prior incidents, inadequate training/supervision, organizational culture that enabled abuse.

Defense 3: “Off-Campus, Not Our Responsibility”

Our Response: Legal duty extends based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. National fraternity retreat cases prove this.

Defense 4: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

Our Response: Show policies were window-dressing, not enforced. Prior incidents resulted in minimal consequences.

Defense 5: “Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts”

Our Response: Argue negligent supervision (covered) vs. intentional hazing (may be excluded). Multiple insurance policies often exist.

9. Practical Guide for Smiley County Parents & Students

For Parents: Warning Signs & Response Protocol

Red Flags Your Child May Be Hazed

Physical Signs: Unexplained injuries, extreme fatigue, weight changes
Behavioral Changes: Secretiveness, withdrawal, anxiety about phone notifications
Academic Decline: Suddenly failing classes, missing assignments
Financial Issues: Unexplained expenses, requests for money
Digital Behavior: Constant phone monitoring, deleting messages, social media changes

Conversation Starters (Non-Confrontational)

“How are things going with [organization]? Are they respecting your time for studies?”
“What kinds of activities do new members do?”
“Is there anything that’s made you uncomfortable or that you wish you could skip?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt or been hurt yourself?”

Step-by-Step Response Protocol

Listen Without Judgment: Your child is likely ashamed and afraid
Prioritize Medical Care: Even if they resist, insist on evaluation
Preserve Evidence Together: Help them screenshot, photograph, document
Consult an Attorney BEFORE Reporting: Once you report, evidence disappears
Document University Communications: Keep records of all interactions

Critical Mistakes to Avoid

Letting your child delete evidence (obstruction of justice appearance)
Confronting the organization directly (they’ll destroy evidence)
Signing university “resolution” agreements (may waive legal rights)
Posting on social media (can be used against you)
Waiting for “internal investigation” results (evidence disappears)

For Students: Rights, Resources & Safety Planning

Your Legal Rights in Texas

Good Faith Reporting Protection: Immunity for calling 911 in emergencies
Consent is NOT a Defense: Even if you “agreed,” it’s still hazing
Right to Leave: You can quit anytime without explanation
Protection from Retaliation: Harassment after reporting is illegal

Safe Exit Strategy

Tell Someone First: Parent, RA, trusted friend (creates record)
Written Resignation: Email/text to chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
Do NOT Attend “Exit Meetings”: Where pressure/retaliation happens
Document Threats: Screenshot any retaliation attempts
Report Retaliation: To university conduct office and police

Evidence Collection Guide

Screenshots: Full conversations with timestamps
Photos: Injuries (multiple angles, include ruler for scale), locations
Medical Records: Tell providers “I was hazed” for documentation
Witness Info: Names and contact information for others

Reporting Channels

University: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, Title IX Office
Law Enforcement: Campus police AND local police (if crimes occurred)
National Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous, 24/7)
Legal: Attorney911 – 1-888-ATTY-911 (confidential consultation)

FAQs for Gonzales County Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”

Answer: Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UT, Texas A&M, UH) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity barriers. Every case requires individual analysis—call 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific guidance.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”

Answer: It can be. Texas Education Code § 37.152 makes hazing a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if it happened off-campus at a rental house?”

Answer: Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with successful litigation.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”

Answer: Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call immediately. Watch our statute of limitations video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c) for more details.

“Will my child’s name be public?”

Answer: Most cases settle confidentially. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize family privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much will this cost us?”

Answer: We work on contingency fee—no upfront costs, no fee unless we recover compensation. Watch our fee explanation video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc) for details. Initial consultations are always free.

“What if my child was drinking underage?”

Answer: Texas’ good-faith reporter protections provide immunity for those seeking medical help in emergencies. Underage drinking doesn’t excuse hazing or eliminate your child’s victim status.

10. Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

When your family from Smiley County faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

1. Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Critical Insight: Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value (and systematically undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Deploy IMEs (Independent Medical Exams) to minimize injuries

Our Advantage: We know their playbook because we used to run it. We don’t get surprised by defense tactics—we anticipate and counter them.

2. Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: Our firm was one of the few in Texas involved in the BP refinery explosion litigation against a billion-dollar corporation. That experience taught us how to:

Fight defendants with unlimited legal budgets
Uncover institutional knowledge of dangers
Manage complex discovery against multiple entities
Present technical evidence to juries effectively

Federal Court Experience: Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, with experience in federal civil rights and Title IX claims that often accompany hazing cases.

3. Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Expertise

Proven Results: Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, including:

Logging accident brain injury with vision loss settlement
Car accident leading to amputation settlement
Offshore/maritime injury settlements
Complex workplace injury litigation

Economic Analysis Capability: Working with economists and life care planners to value lifetime needs—critical for hazing victims with permanent injuries like rhabdomyolysis kidney damage or PTSD.

4. Criminal + Civil Dual Capability

HCCLA Membership: Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association signals elite criminal defense capability, critical because:

Many hazing cases involve parallel criminal charges
We understand how to advise witnesses with potential criminal exposure
We navigate the interaction between criminal and civil proceedings

5. Investigative Depth & Expert Network

Digital Forensics: Experience obtaining deleted messages, social media evidence, and electronic records that form the core of modern hazing cases.

Expert Network: Medical experts (rhabdomyolysis, kidney specialists, psychiatrists), digital forensics specialists, Greek life culture experts, economists, and life care planners.

Organizational Research: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine database of 1,423+ Greek organizations means we start investigations with knowledge, not guesswork.

6. Spanish-Language Services & Cultural Understanding

Se Habla Español: Mr. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish-language services, critical for Texas’ diverse communities. We understand cultural nuances that affect hazing reporting and recovery.

Our Approach: Empathy + Accountability

We recognize that hazing cases involve more than legal claims—they’re about:

Family Trauma: The shock, guilt, and grief of seeing your child harmed
Institutional Betrayal: Universities and organizations that promised safety but delivered danger
Psychological Recovery: PTSD, anxiety, and shattered trust that require sensitive handling
Preventive Justice: Ensuring no other family endures what yours has

Our commitment extends beyond settlement checks to:

Thorough Investigation: We uncover what really happened, not just what institutions admit
Maximum Accountability: Holding ALL responsible parties liable, not just convenient scapegoats
Privacy Protection: Guarding your family’s dignity throughout the process
Prevention Advocacy: Using cases to drive policy changes that protect future students

Current Case: Leading Texas Hazing Litigation

Right now, we’re actively litigating the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million lawsuit alleging catastrophic hazing injuries. This isn’t historical precedent; it’s current proof of our capability against major Texas institutions.

In this case, we’re suing:

University of Houston System
Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders/members

The allegations—forced extreme exercise causing rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, “waterboarding” with a hose, humiliating “pledge fanny pack” requirements—show the brutal reality of modern hazing. And our firm is on the front lines, fighting for accountability.

Call to Action for Smiley, Nixon, Belmont & Gonzales County Families

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends Texas State, Texas A&M, UT Austin, UH, or any Texas campus—we want to help. You have rights. There is a path to accountability. And there are attorneys who understand both the legal complexity and the human tragedy of what you’re facing.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911:

We Listen First: Your story matters. We’ll hear what happened without judgment or interruption.
Evidence Review: We’ll look at any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, texts, medical records).
Legal Options Explained: We’ll outline your possible paths: criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
Realistic Assessment: We’ll discuss likely timelines, challenges, and potential outcomes based on similar cases.
Cost Transparency: We’ll explain our contingency fee structure—no upfront costs, no fee unless we recover compensation.
No Pressure: Take time to decide. The consultation creates no obligation.

Why Timing Matters

Evidence disappears quickly:

Group chats get deleted within days
Witnesses get coached on what to say

Universities begin damage control immediately
Medical conditions need proper documentation
Statute of limitations is always ticking

Don’t wait for the “university investigation” to conclude. By then, critical evidence may be gone. Call within the first 48 hours if possible.

Contact Information

Attorney911 – The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Texas Hazing Litigation Specialists

Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com

Email:

Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
Lupe Peña: lupe@atty911.com

Spanish Services: Se Habla Español – Contact Mr. Peña for consultation in Spanish

Offices Serving Texas:

Houston (Primary)
Austin
Beaumont

A Final Word to Gonzales County Families

From our home in Texas to yours in Smiley County: we understand the values that define our communities—family, integrity, looking out for one another. When those values are violated by institutions that should protect our children, it’s not just a legal matter. It’s a betrayal of everything we believe in.

We’ve seen the damage hazing causes: not just physical injuries, but shattered trust, stolen college experiences, and families forever changed. We’ve also seen the power of accountability—how proper legal action can provide compensation for victims, consequences for wrongdoers, and reforms that protect future students.

Whether your child was hazed at Texas State just down the road or at a campus hours away, Texas law applies. Texas attorneys can help. And Texas families deserve justice.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss what happened, what can be done, and how we can help your family move forward.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

Attorney911 Main Website: https://attorney911.com

Wrongful Death Practice Page: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

Criminal Defense Practice Page: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Ralph Manginello Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/

Lupe Peña Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Evidence Preservation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Statute of Limitations Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Client Mistakes Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Contingency Fees Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

UH Pi Kappa Phi Case – Click2Houston: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/

UH Pi Kappa Phi Case – ABC13: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com